Wildcats run at Raft

The EHS Cross Country teams competed in their first action of the season Saturday at the WSU Invitational at the Raft Ranch.

Josh Prim

The EHS Cross Country teams competed in their first action of the season Saturday at the WSU Invitational at the Raft Ranch.

El Dorado was only able to field a full team in the varsity boys race.

“As a team, we are encouraged by our results in our first meet of the season. Only 10 runners medal in each race, and we were able to have three runners medal,” said EHS head coach David Herrs.

The El Dorado JV Girls got the Wildcats off to a good start, each girl who ran posted an improved time from their first three weeks of practice.

“Caitlynn Hamilton ran very well, as she started well and remained in medal contention the entire race,” said Herrs.

The JV boys had one runner finish in the top 25 in Kyle Thomas who finished at 22nd at 20:34.

“The JV Boys also ran as well as they have all year,” said Herrs.

The Wildcats only ran three girls at the varsity level.

They were led by freshman Jolie Howland, who posted an impressive 16:49 in her first high school 4K race placing her 11th best overall.

“I thought Jolie Howland ran a good race. I hope she will continue to gain confidence at the high school level,” said Herrs. “Tori Gricol has had a great summer of running. I hope she’ll be able to have a good senior year.”

The Varsity boys led the way for the Wildcats finishing 5th overall as a team in a strong field.

“Our varsity boys ran strong, led by two medalists, Jacob Anders and Breck Towner,” said Herrs.

“Anders and Towner, at this point in the season, seem to give us a chance to be competitive in our team scores each week for the boys’ varsity,” said Herrs.

El Dorado was without senior John Scott who is currently injured. As he gets healthy, the El Dorado depth should be much improved.

Out of the 16 runners who ran for the Wildcats, 10 of them ran in their first ever high school cross county race.

“I thought we ran well, considering how many rookie runners we have. As these runners gain experience, I hope we continue to see improved individual results. As the year progresses, I hope our team results also get better and better,” said Herrs.